NEW YORK – Coming off one of the best seasons in program history, Columbia women’s swimming & diving head coach Diana Caskey has announced the addition of 12 top-notch newcomers to the roster for the 2013-14 season.

“We are very excited for the class of 2017 to join us,” said Caskey. “The group has had a tremendous amount of athletic success to date and has great potential to make a significant impact in the Ivy League and beyond. They enthusiastically await their opportunity to compete as Columbia Lions.”

Columbia will look to build upon its most successful season since 1988. Last year, the Lions earned a team-record six-straight dual meet wins, set a combined 20 records across five pools and finished the year ranked No. 21 in the nation. Caskey said she is hopeful that the first-years will add to the Columbia success this winter.

“The beautiful thing about this class is that we had a majority of swimmers and divers who knew early on that this was the place for them. Their devotion and clear choice was inspiring to all of the women on the team who helped recruit them. In addition, we have never had an incoming class make so much improvement as seniors in high school. We recruited talented students and remarkably hungry athletes. They have already started to deliver on their promise and potential. The success that attracted our attention was just the beginning. They swam faster and faster over the past 10 months. This class is chock full of future Ivy League Champions.”